Volunteer Opportunity: Become a ‘Tech Friend’ on retreat with Plum Village UK

Join us in a unique and fulfilling role! Plum Village UK is seeking compassionate and skilled volunteers to serve as ‘Tech Friends’ for our weekend retreats. This role is a beautiful blend of technology and mindfulness, enabling a seamless connection between those in the physical retreat space and our online participants.
To give you a flavour of what being a tech friend is like, we asked Jan Hempsall to share her experience of becoming a tech friend. If you are interested in knowing more, click on the link in her testimonial to find out more about the role and how to apply.

Our next hybrid retreat is at Sidcot School, Winscombe, Somerset, Oct 24-28, 2024.

“I was lucky enough to attend a Plum Village France online retreat during December 2020, shortly after my husband died.  Over the course of 2021 and 2022, I attended so many online retreats (mostly Plum Village UK) that I lost count and I was so grateful to the UK sangha for being able to provide the retreats online during a time when I was really struggling.  

I met Kevin Place at my first “in person” retreat and volunteered my services for the next retreat as I had a desire to give something back.  I knew nothing about any of the equipment and had never even hosted a zoom meeting!  I sat alongside Kevin’s gentle presence and learned the ropes.  I wrote down a list of instructions and by the end of the weekend, I was flying solo.

There have been a few hiccups along the way, but the great thing about the Plum Village Community is that everyone is practicing compassion and understanding. When things go wrong, it’s a great opportunity to practice and breathe.  We would really appreciate some more volunteers on the “tech team” so that we can continue to offer hybrid retreats.  If you are open to learning and would like to be more involved in the community, please see more information below. I will hope to meet you at Sidcot!” – Jan Hempsall

What Does the Role Involve (once trained)?

• Providing sound reinforcement for participants attending in person.
• Facilitating a smooth online connection for virtual attendees via Zoom.
• Utilising a mix of audio and video technology, including PVUK’s wireless/wired
  microphones, a small mixing desk, and a video camera, all connected to
  your own laptop.
• Hosting Zoom meetings efficiently, with competencies in cloud recording,
  breakout room management, and use of original sound features.

What Do We Offer?

• A chance to deepen your practice and understanding of mindfulness in a
  supportive and appreciative community.
• A half-price rate for those participating in retreats while offering tech support.
• Travel expenses within the UK
• The opportunity to support Jan Hempsall at the Dharma Training Programme
  retreat, Sidcot School, Somerset, Oct 24-28 th (and/or other retreats later in
  the year), providing valuable experience and familiarisation with the role.
• An opportunity to support the Dharma Training Programme retreat at Purley
  Chase, 9-11 February or other retreats later in the year, providing valuable
  experience and familiarisation with the role.

Who Are We Looking For?

Most importantly, a heart aligned with the practices of Plum Village – you will have been practising with a Plum Village UK sangha for a year or more. 

Also useful

• Experience in both online and in-person retreats, particularly those who have witnessed or contributed to the harmonious blending of these two approaches.
• Familiarity with sound and video equipment as described is highly beneficial.
• A keen understanding and experience in hosting meetings on Zoom.

This role is not just about technical skills; your contribution will help bridge the gap between physical and digital spaces, allowing the teachings to reach and resonate with more hearts.

If you are interested in this role, with support as needed, please reach out to us with a few words on any experience you have that might be useful, a brief introduction to your journey in mindfulness, and why you are interested in the role. Please email Amanda (DTP retreat support): amanda@plumvillage.uk